A new study from Denmark suggests that a mother’s diet during pregnancy may influence her child’s risk of developing ADHD or autism.
Researchers found that following a Western diet—high in fat, sugar, and processed foods, while low in fresh vegetables, fruits, and fish—was linked to a higher likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
The study, published in Nature Metabolism, highlights the potential for improving pregnancy diets to reduce these risks.
How diet affects child development
Previous research has already shown that smoking, alcohol, and poor nutrition can affect fetal development.
Now, scientists at the University of Copenhagen and the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC) have identified a strong link between a Western diet during pregnancy and an increased risk of ADHD and autism in children.
According to lead researcher Dr. David Horner, “The more a pregnant woman follows a Western diet—high in fat, sugar, and processed foods—the higher the risk of her child developing ADHD or autism.”
Even small shifts toward a Western diet were found to have a significant impact. The study found that:
- A moderate move toward a Western diet increased the risk of ADHD by 66%
- The same shift increased the risk of autism by 122%
This suggests that even minor improvements in diet during pregnancy could lower the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
Large-Scale Study with Over 60,000 Mother-Child Pairs
The study analyzed over 60,000 mother-child pairs from Denmark and the U.S. using data from four large studies. Researchers examined dietary patterns, blood samples, and medical records to identify potential links between maternal diet and childhood neurodevelopmental disorders.
One key aspect of the study was the use of metabolomics, a scientific method that analyzes chemical markers in blood. This allowed researchers to track biological changes caused by diet and confirm their findings with measurable data.
The results were consistent across multiple studies, strengthening the credibility of the findings.
One of the most important discoveries was that the first and second trimesters were the most sensitive periods for brain development.
Professor Morten Arendt Rasmussen, the study’s senior author, explained, “We found that the risk of ADHD was highest when the mother followed a Western diet in early and mid-pregnancy. This suggests that fetal brain development is particularly vulnerable to maternal nutrition during these stages.”
Researchers also identified 43 specific blood metabolites linked to a Western diet, with 15 of them strongly associated with an increased risk of ADHD. Many of these metabolites are linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, which are believed to play key roles in brain development.
Are current pregnancy diet guidelines enough?
This study raises important questions about whether existing pregnancy diet recommendations are effective.
In Denmark, dietary guidelines for pregnant women are similar to those for the general population, encouraging a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish. However, Dr. Horner suggests that these guidelines may not be widely followed or detailed enough to prevent diet-related risks to child development.
He adds, “Our study not only confirms a strong link between maternal diet and ADHD risk but also identifies specific nutrients and food groups that could form the foundation for improved dietary guidelines.”
By refining pregnancy nutrition recommendations, researchers hope to provide clearer, more targeted advice to reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
Key Takeaways and Study Limitations
- A Western diet during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of ADHD and autism in children.
- The first and second trimesters are the most critical periods for diet-related effects on brain development.
- Blood metabolite analysis confirmed the link between diet and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Small dietary improvements during pregnancy may reduce the risk of ADHD and autism.
However, it’s important to note that this study was observational. While it shows a strong link, it does not prove that diet causes ADHD or autism. Other factors, such as genetics, maternal health, and lifestyle choices, also play significant roles.
Even so, these findings suggest that better nutrition during pregnancy could improve outcomes for children, opening the door for future research and improved dietary guidelines for expecting mothers.
For more information about ADHD, please see recent studies about Nutrition’s role in managing ADHD: what you need to know and results showing that Food additives and ADHD: what parents should know.
If you care about ADHD, please read studies about 5 signs you have ADHD, not laziness, and new drug to reduce daydreaming, fatigue, and brain sluggishness in ADHD.
The research findings can be found in Nature Metabolism.
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